Kentucky Governor Says He Received Calls Suggesting McConnell Had Died

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he received two calls from different non-state agencies suggesting Sen. Mitch McConnell had died. The comments came in an interview with Katie Couric uploaded to YouTube on Thursday.

Beshear did not name the agencies or give the dates of the calls. He has served as governor since December 2019. McConnell was hospitalized on June 14 after a fall at home. His office released a statement on July 12 saying he was being treated for the fall and had not broken any bones, suffered a concussion, had a heart attack or stroke, or developed tumors or hemorrhages.

A photograph of McConnell in a hospital bed with his wife accompanied the statement. McConnell's doctor said he developed pneumonia early in his hospitalization but responded rapidly to antibiotic treatment. Emergency dispatch audio from June 14 indicated McConnell was unconscious and may have suffered a heart attack.

On July 8, Beshear wrote a letter to McConnell requesting a full update on his health for Kentuckians. Beshear also posted on social media urging greater transparency and referencing his earlier calls for updates on former President Biden's health. He said there has been no direct contact between his office and McConnell or his staff since June 14.

McConnell stated he intends to return to the Senate, though his office has given no timeline. Beshear said he will examine how to handle a potential vacancy in McConnell's seat before the term ends in early 2027, citing state constitutional provisions and a GOP-backed state law.

He noted reports of McConnell holding 20-minute conversations and urged him to call a news station or release a short video.